Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) one of the world’s leading protein producers, has announced it has joined the McDonald’s Mutual Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (MCDEI).

 

As an early adopter of the MCDEI, Tyson Foods said it would continue to advance diversity, equity and inclusion by committing to actions like setting representation goals, conducting education and training, increasing diverse supplier spend and developing innovative programs and partnerships to increase diversity and inclusion across its business.

Tyson – one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognised leader in protein production – has stated that its employee base is “enormously diverse”, with more than 50 languages spoken by team members across the company’s US business.

“At Tyson, our team members reflect every part of America today – diversity isn’t a concept at our company, it’s something we witness every day at every single one of our facilities. So, we are proud to have our commitment be reflected in McDonald’s Mutual Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” said John R. Tyson, the firm’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

Maximising collective efforts to achieve a “more equitable future”

McDonald’s will begin the comprehensive effort with US-based suppliers, before expanding globally, with the goal of full implementation across McDonald’s value chain by 2025. Additionally, McDonald’s USA is committing to increase purchases from ‘diverse-owned’ suppliers (defined by the business as those ‘owned by women and/or Black, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, Veteran, LGBTQ+, and disabled persons’) by nearly 10 per cent by 2025 – representing approximately one-quarter of its US spend.

“We are pleased that Tyson Foods has decided to join us on the next phase of our journey by joining the MCDEI,” said the burger giant’s SVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer Marion Gross. “McDonald’s and Tyson Foods have a long history together, and we look forward to maximising our collective efforts to contribute to a more equitable future.”

In support of the pledge and its suppliers’ efforts, McDonald’s is also providing resources and best-practice sharing. To date, more than 20 companies have joined the MCDEI.